Four artists have got together to collaborate on an exhibition that looks at
the cultural similarities and contrasts between Kent and Northern France.
The exhibition opens at Ashford Library Gallery on 12 May and runs to 23 June
and is a celebration of the physical closeness and diversity of the two
regions.
The artists, Mary Chaplin, Liz Garnett, Donna Hawkes-Baines and Marion Lynn,
met at college and have remained firm friends. This is the first time they
have worked together on a project and Liz Garnett the project co-ordinator
says it has been challenging and inspiring working on this project. We have
gained a lot from field trips and discussing ideas. This has made the
exhibition all the better.
Mary Chaplin is at Canterbury Christchurch University College studying for
the BA Single Honours in Printmaking. Mary describes her style of working as
including spontaneity and play of light. Mary is self taught: I felt that
I wanted my work to progress in a way that was more in tune to myself. By
going back to college I am now being taught traditional techniques and
values. She has exhibited in solo and joint exhibitions in Kent.
Liz Garnett is a fine art photographer who enjoys challenging people's
perceptions of photography as an artform by experimenting with a variety of
processes and techniques. She regularly exhibits her work in Kent and has a
picture that will be travelling to Italy later this year with the Passing
Tales Exhibition. Of this exhibition Liz says: we want to encourage people
to discover the relationship between the two areas and go out and explore it
for themselves.
Donna Hawkes-Baines is also a fine art photographer but prefers the more
traditional medium of black and white as she feels that she can obtain
dramatic and emotive images in monochrome. Of her work Donna says: I am now
experimenting with digitally manipulating prints to obtain the same results I
would in the darkroom. Donna is not adverse to trying different techniques
and is also a fan of emulsion lifts.
Marion Lynn is a painter who produces realistic and colourful pictures. She
says: My work is closely observed and looks at the contrasts and
similarities between related subjects. I found the idea of exploring the
cultural relationship across the channel inspirational. She is currently
working part time as a health visitor, but endeavours to find time to
continue her interest in art. She recently completed a commission for a life
size crib scene for display outside St Christophers Church in Boughton Aluph
over Christmas.
This event is part of Kent County Council's Kentweek Festival - the
county-wide celebration of Kent.
IMAGE:
Donna Hawkes-Baines
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